Meningitis in bacterial diseases classified elsewhere

This code represents inflammation of the meninges (the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) that is a manifestation of a bacterial infection elsewhere in the body. It signifies meningitis that is secondary to a systemic bacterial disease, rather than a primary meningeal infection.

Use this code when documentation specifies bacterial meningitis as a complication or manifestation of another bacterial disease, and the specific bacterial etiology is not otherwise classified in a more specific meningitis code. This code is appropriate when the underlying bacterial disease is identified, but its specific meningitis code is not available.

• Always code the underlying bacterial disease first, followed by this code for the meningitis.
• Carefully review the "Excludes1" list to avoid incorrect co-coding with specific types of bacterial meningitis.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the meningitis to an underlying bacterial condition that does not have its own specific meningitis code.